KensingtonWalk

Hi! I used to live in Exeter! Are you pre or post op? I'm currently going through the process at Portsmouth Hospital. I sent you a message!????

I agree calling to check in the status is a good idea. Not to make a pest of yourself but to be your own advocate.

Hello all! I am wondering about long term, like years postop, the success rate? Is there enough data to say that the sleeve is effective for one or two decades after initial weight loss? I am just wondering if anyone has maintained very long term.

Why the barium swallow? I have sleep apnea and have been treated for 3.5 years.

Thank you everyone! Good luck with your submission. Fingers crossed your approval is quick! I am really trying to gauge my expectations but don't want any delays at the same time.

Hello all! This is a wonderful forum. So many questions answered and others popping up for me. I have Cigna insurance and I am not sure if it will be three or six months of prep but I am willing to jump through the hoops as long as I can see a VSG at the end of the tunnel. I am 57 year old female. I have struggled with anorexia and binge eating, both ends of the spectrum. I have been able to lose weight in the past, but have never been able to keep my weight down. The last five years, what worked for me before is no longer working and I get nowhere. Last year I saw a dietician for four months and lost three pounds and I exercised like a fiend. 90 minutes, five days a week. Three pounds in 16 weeks. It becomes very discouraging. And my company did not cover ANY weight loss services. Last year I hit rock bottom. This year I petitioned the CEO at my company and she immediately agreed that Bariatric surgery is something that a healthcare organization should offer as a benefit to its employees. Starting July 1 this benefit will be added to our coverage. So July 1 I am applying to start the process. Wish me luck! I will be here a lot looking for, and offering, encouragement, validation and support.

Thank you very much! I know this won't be a magic wand but after years of failed attempts I am looking forward to long term success!

What other requirements did you need to meet? Three months or six months of starvation with no results before you could have the procedure? ????

Would a GP be considered a second opinion? He is the one who told me I would qualify and suggested it to me.

I am hoping for November. I know what you mean, it is always in my mind and I find my mind wandering back to it even when I am busy with something and engrossed in it. Best of luck! I will enjoy reading your journey.

Exeter/Kensington NH USA

This is a great thread. Thank you everyone. I am starting my voyage next month and also have Cigna. It's good to be forewarned and forearmed!

This is indeed encouraging! You look fantastic. Thank you for thinking of all of us.

Wow! I was thinking maybe I would have at least six months of firey hoops to jump through. We'll see. Thanks!

I am just starting. Last year I investigated it and the fiscal year ended and so did our benefits for the surgery. I was very disappointed, very discouraged. I petitioned our CEO to include this vital benefit in this year's benefits, and she agreed. They decided to include it in our benefits this year. I am starting the application process again after July 1. I am very excited to have this opportunity to become healthy and live longer. And I like to have as much information as possible so I am prepared.

WOW you guys! You are all amazing and courageous. I look forward to my own journey.

@@mamsinator Great news that you have had such great results so far. I will be interested in responses you get. Hoping it is a temporary condition. It is wonderful to hear so many success stories. I look forward to sharing my experiences. I think we have a lot of vertically perfect people on this thread!

@@grammytot Thank you! Good to know. So many questions so much to consider!

I haven't had my surgery yet. I am just starting this whole process. I think two weeks would do it. I work from home and it will not take much energy to open my laptop and work.

Lap chole is a gallbladder removal that is done laparoscopically.

Very good! It is a learning opportunity to be kind to oneself. How many weeks then, three? Trying to decide. After I had my lap chole I went back after a week and it was too soon. My job is sedentary as well. I work from home.

Will they give you something for the nausea? How long does that generally last? So I am making my goal 135 pounds. And I am 5' 1.5". Is that a realistic goal? Has anyone had difficulties achieving their goals?

Ah, Maryland. Our daughter lives in Fairfax VA. Used to be in Falls Church. They are moving to Reston in a couple of weeks. Best wishes on your recovery. Keep moving! You'll get there!

I am in NH, in the seacoast. Don't tell me you are near here! ????

HealthyJudy walking post op is important. It will prevent DVT, pneumonia and will help you feel better faster. Keep moving as much as you can. I have had seven abdominal surgeries. It will get better the more you move.